Self‑Styled Godman Rampal Denied Bail Again - Legal Update
Introduction
- On September 25, 2025, the court of Additional Sessions Judge Parminder Kaur dismissed the bail plea of self-styled godman Rampal, who was booked for an attempt to wage war against the government.
- Rampal was convicted and sentenced to 9 years in jail in 2018 for his role in a violent clash between his followers and the police at his ashram in Hisar, Haryana, in 2014. He had been accused in a few other cases.
- Additional Sessions Judge Parminder Kaur dismissed Rampal's bail plea in the sedition trial against him, observing that the allegations were grave and that he had a large following in the state. The court also expressed concern about his security if he was released on bail.
- Rampal's lawyer had argued that he should be granted bail on humanitarian grounds as he was old and in poor health.
- However, the court rejected these arguments, noting that Rampal had already been granted bail in other cases and had not surrendered on time on at least one occasion.
- The court also stated that Rampal's security could not be ensured if he were released on bail, as his release would severely disrupt public order, impede the ongoing trial, and pose a significant threat to the administration of justice. The court recalled the events of violence that led to the registration of the case.
- Rampal's conviction in 2018 was a significant setback for him and his followers. Rampal, who claims to be a spiritual leader, had a large following in Haryana and other parts of the country. He was known for his lavish lifestyle and his controversial teachings.
- In the 2014 clash, six people were killed and over 100 were injured. The police had to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd of Rampal's followers, who had surrounded his ashram to prevent him from being arrested.
- Rampal's conviction and the dismissal of his bail plea are a reminder that the law will not make any exceptions for self-styled godmen who commit serious crimes. It is also a warning to Rampal's followers not to take the law for granted.
Background on Rampal
- Rampal was born in 1951 in a village in the Hissar district of Haryana. He started as a teacher, but later turned to religion. In the 1990s, he founded the Satlok Ashram, which quickly gained popularity.
- Rampal claims to be a spiritual leader who can teach people how to achieve salvation. He has written several books and pamphlets on religious topics. However, his teachings have been criticized by some religious scholars, who say that they are not in line with traditional Hindu beliefs.
- Rampal has also been accused of various crimes, including murder, rioting, and inciting violence. In 2014, he was arrested after a violent clash between his followers and the police at his ashram.
- Rampal was convicted and sentenced to 9 years in jail in 2018. He is currently serving his sentence in Hisar jail.
Implications of the Courts' Decisions on Bail
- The Punjab & Haryana High Court's decision to dismiss Rampal's bail plea was a significant setback for him and his followers. It also had several implications for the state and the country.
- The decision was a reminder that the law will not make any exceptions for self-styled godmen who commit serious crimes. Rampal is a high-profile figure with a large following, but neither his status nor his supporters swayed the court.
- The decisions to reject bail pleas were a warning to Rampal's followers not to take the law for granted. The courts, at different instances, made it clear that they will not tolerate any violence or lawlessness.
- The decisions to reject bail pleas were a boost for the police and other law enforcement agencies. The decisions showed that the police have the support of the judiciary in dealing with self-styled godmen and their followers.
Conclusion
Overall, according to the legal lobby, the Punjab & Haryana High Court's decision and the subsequent dismissals of Rampal's bail pleas were a positive development. It showed that the law is equal for everyone, regardless of their status or influence. It also sent a strong message to self-styled godmen and their followers that they would not be allowed to get away with crimes. For legal assistance, contact us.
